Everyone knows that picking the right flooring for bathroom renovation is very important.

You need something that can handle all the moisture and traffic without losing its charm. Whether you’re redoing your current bathroom or starting fresh, some fantastic options exist, and we are going to share them with you. 

Let’s explore the best types of flooring for bathrooms so you can find the perfect fit.

#1 Tile

Tile looks great on both walls and floors

Tile is usually the first thing that comes to mind when considering bathroom flooring. 

Porcelain tile in particular is a great choice for bathroom floors, since porcelain tile is required to have an absorption rate of 0.5 percent or lower, making it impervious to water.

Whether you go with ceramic or porcelain tile, you’re going to have a ton of design options. Tile is available in just about every look you can think of, from natural hardwood and stone looks, to fabric-inspired visuals and intricate, hand-painted designs.

No matter what sort of look you’re going for, you’ll be able to find a tile option that works for you. Remember to look for tiles with a high coefficient of friction (COF) rating, which determines how much slip resistance the tile has. A COF rating of 0.5 (dry) is acceptable for flooring. 

Also, tile can be a cold surface – not ideal for chilly mornings but some ! If you go with tile, consider radiant heating to keep your new bathroom floors toasty!

Shop By Brand

Take a look at the floor selections offered by our most trusted brands and find the one that excels at meeting your needs.

#2 Vinyl

LVT Floors in bathroom

Whether you opt for luxury vinyl tile or sheet vinyl, you’re going to have moisture-resistant or with some products waterproof bathroom flooring. And it’s available in a ton of different looks. 

The most popular visuals in luxury vinyl are wood, which can be a little unexpected in bathrooms. However, there are plenty of other design options that might look more traditional.

Because sheet vinyl is a seamless floor, it’s also a great waterproof option. And all vinyl is going to be softer and warmer underfoot than tile.

#3 Stone

Rustic and elegant

Several natural stone options work well in bathrooms. 

Slate, for example, is great for bathroom floors because it’s naturally slip-resistant. Travertine is another popular bathroom flooring choice. Although it’s naturally porous, travertine tile is often filled with a similar-colored grout or epoxy to create a smoother surface. 

And honestly, is there anything more elegant and breathtaking than a Carrara marble bathroom?

Keep in mind that all natural stone flooring is going to require a bit of extra TLC. For instance, marble will require regular maintenance with special solvents, as well as re-sealing at least every year. And more porous stones, like marble, are more susceptible to etching and staining.

While natural stone is a bit more high-maintenance than some of the other options – and can come with a high price tag – many think the extra effort is worth it.

#4 Waterproof laminate

Water-resistant laminate flooring

In the past, moisture and spills were a problem for laminate, but these days, more manufacturers are introducing water-resistant products. And they could be the perfect new bathroom flooring solution for you! 

We think water-resistant laminate is a great choice for half-baths, where moisture or water coming from a shower or tub won’t be an issue. Keep in mind, water-resistance is not the norm when it comes to laminate, so always check your warranty and make sure the laminate floors you choose are, in fact, water-resistant!

About The Author

Lauren Moore

June 21, 2024

Proud flooring aficionado and office dog mom, "Flauren" has been a professional writer and editor for more than a decade (though she still maintains her magnum opus was "The Day it Snowed Slurpees," written at the age of 6).